Van Journal: "Your comfort zone will kill you" - how to move your brand along

It took longer than originally thought. And if I was just designing lingerie for my brand, I would have been able to release all the lingerie together.

Having made the decision to not follow the seasons and to put the designs into collections, it’s made it easier and far more fun to design. Also it took off the pressure of producing lingerie I didn’t want to produce, knowing previously how hard it was designing my second collection last time, this time it’s all come together with each piece strong.

If you’re having trouble moving your brand forward or keep changing your mind about designs, put some restraints on yourself. Otherwise knowing you can design whatever you want you’ll be pulled in every direction.

I’ve said it before but start with 3-5 designs , this collection has seen an exact replica of the Quinn and Harper pattern, and an adjustment of the high waisted brief. Looking at the last season it was clear that the Quinn and Harper lingerie sold the best, and they alone resonated with the brand. Liberty prints, French lace and colour.

Vanjo is about finding lingerie in a bigger size that isn’t out there, in a soft bra, supportive yet not just beige. Beautiful yet edgy.

By having key words for your brand will give you focus on your end designs.

So designing the second collection this time round, the same issues occurred. Designing and buying fabrics for the collection, making the old collection when people bought them, balanced out with designing new lingerie, that's where having a few pieces that you know fit and work, saves time and money, and from this you start to build a brand, you gain repeat customers, and people recognise your designs.

If you’re still having trouble committing to your first or second collection, make a mood board. I love these, it keeps you focused and it’s the fun part of designing. Keep referring back to it when in doubt. It doesn’t have to be computer designed, magazine cut outs work perfectly fine.

Now I just need to upload the lingerie onto the website.